Photo courtesy of Al Ahly SC
On Thursday, the Cairo giants imposed an EGP 1.5 million fine on Ashour and suspended him for two weeks after he missed the team’s flight to Tanzania ahead of Saturday’s anticipated match against Young Africans.
Ashour had been named by coach Jess Thorup in the squad for the CAF Champions League game, but failed to join the travelling party on time.
Reports in Egyptian media said the 27-year-old player’s decision to miss the trip came as a form of protest following a dispute with teammates over taking a penalty in Tuesday’s 3–1 league win over Wadi Degla.
“The majority of the claims about what happened aren’t true, and I accept any decision by the club,” the Pharaohs player said in a statement posted on Instagram late on Friday.
“I am confident that Ahly officials will understand my situation. I am suffering from flu, a high fever, and stomach pains, and I am taking the necessary medication.”
Ashour added that several members of his family were experiencing the same symptoms, saying he had informed the club doctor of his condition before the trip. However, he acknowledged that he was at fault for not following the correct procedures.
“I made an unintentional mistake, as I should have contacted the football director to inform the head coach and ensure the necessary medical steps were taken in such situations,” the former Zamalek player explained.
Ashour denied exerting any pressure on Ahly over the renewal of his contract, stressing that the issue had been resolved after he contacted the football director.
“I apologize to the club, the technical staff, my teammates, and above all the fans. I am proud to play for the biggest club in Africa, and my relationship with the fans is excellent,” he said.
“I have done my best over the past three years with Ahly, which is what the club and fans deserve. We have an important match on Saturday, and I wish my teammates the best of luck to win and make the fans happy,” he added.
The Cairo-based club are due to face Young Africans away in the fourth round of Group B, as they seek to secure early qualification for the knockout stage.
The latest decision by Ahly marks the second disciplinary sanction imposed on the 27-year-old since he joined the club in July 2023.
He was previously fined EGP 1 million in November 2024 for misconduct in the dressing room ahead of a Champions League match against Ivory Coast’s Stade d’Abidjan.
Ashour has scored 30 goals and provided 22 assists in 91 appearances for Ahly, helping the club win seven trophies since the 2023–24 season.
Ahly lead Group B of the continental tournament with seven points, three ahead of Young Africans, with two matches remaining. Morocco’s FAR Rabat and Algeria’s JS Kabylie both have two points.
A win over Young Africans on Saturday would secure Ahly a place in the last 16 as group winners.
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